Florida Fire Fighters Escort 100 World War II Vets to Washington, DC

November 19, 2010 – Florida fire fighters from Marin County Local 2959, Stuart Local 2411 and West Palm Beach Local 727 escorted 100 World War II veterans as they embarked on a 24-hour trip from Southeast Florida to Washington, DC. The trip was organized by Honor Flight of Southeast Florida, a local chapter of a national organization that is committed to bringing World War II veterans to that nation’s capital.

Four motor coaches escorted passengers to a charter plane at Palm Beach International Airport, traveling a path filled with cheering residents. To make the trip this year was particularly special for the veterans as it marks the 65th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II.

Local 2959 member Roy Aufort and World War II Veteran Roy Bishop

During the trip, the veterans visited the World War II Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, the Women’s Memorial and the National Marine Memorial.

The trip was 100 percent funded by Southeast Florida residents who donated $62,000 -- $56,000 of which was raised during a Marin County Local 2959 Fill-the-Boot drive.